UK honours the fallen in silent tribute on Armistice Day

ITV News Royal Editor Chris Ship reports on the symbolic power of the silence held on the 93rd year since the country first paused to honour the fallen for Armistice Day

The nation has fallen silent to honour those who lost their lives in conflict.

A two-minute silence took place across the country at 11am, marking 102 years since the first two-minute silence was observed on Armistice Day, November 11 1919.

The Duchess of Cornwall was at the 93rd Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, which has been held in the grounds of the Abbey since November 1928.

The Duchess of Cornwall marks the two minute silence at the 93rd Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in London Credit: Stefan Rousseau/PA

Camilla laid a cross as she honoured the servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives for their country.

Across London, Sir Keir Starmer observed a two-minute silence at Euston Station's war memorial.

In Staffordshire, a service of remembrance took place at the National Memorial Arboretum on top of the Armed Forces Memorial, featuring readings, musical performances and wreath laying.

The National Memorial Arboretum falls silent.

Gareth Southgate led England's football team in a two-minute silence on the pitch before a training session.

Troops marched at the Cenotaph service in Whitehall, London on Thursday. After the silence, wreaths were laid at the foot of the monument.

A single gun fired at 11am from Edinburgh Castle, while in Liverpool the St Battalion of The Duke Of Lancaster's Regiment marched through the streets to Our Lady & Saint Nicholas Church before observing the silence.

Armistice Day was also marked at the Scottish Parliament and by COP26 President Alok Sharma at the United Nations climate conference in Glasgow.

Cop26 President Alok Sharma (front left) and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon observe a two minute silence.

Armistice Day was disrupted last year and many remembered the nation’s war dead from their homes as they were encouraged to stay home to stop the spread of coronavirus.